**Mixed Bag as FCT Area Council Polls Commence Amidst Challenges** The much-anticipated Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections kicked off on Saturday, but it was a story of mixed fortunes across various polling units within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). While some centres witnessed a smooth accreditation and voting process, others were marred by late arrival of officials, inadequate materials, and low voter turnout. In many areas, voters turned up to exercise their franchise, but were met with long queues and empty polling booths. At some units, officials and security personnel were present, but the absence of voters was palpable. In other places, officials were yet to arrive, leaving prospective voters frustrated and disappointed. The situation was particularly dire in Wuse and Maitama areas, where voters complained of missing names on the voters' register. Observers attributed this to the common practice of voters checking the wrong sections of the register. Party agents also grappled with the situation, trying to convince voters to return and cast their ballots. Despite these challenges, some polling units managed to record a relatively higher turnout. At Government Secondary School, Zone 3, voting commenced on schedule, albeit with a low turnout. In Asokoro 3, voting started before 10 am, but many voters who arrived earlier left due to the absence of officials. The situation was similar in other areas, with some units recording fewer than 10 voters, while others saw a handful of voters casting their ballots. The low turnout was a concern for many observers, who attributed it to voter apathy and the late arrival of officials. In the Karu Municipal Area Council, voter apathy was more pronounced, with only a few voters showing up hours into voting. The situation was particularly dire at Unit 031, where only four out of 160 registered voters had cast their ballots by 10:41 am. The FCT area council elections are a significant event in the nation's capital, and the challenges that characterized the early hours of voting have raised concerns about the preparedness of electoral officials and the enthusiasm of voters. As the exercise progresses, it remains to be seen whether the situation will improve or continue to deteriorate.